Swalwell captain Paul Dumighan believes the race for the championship will go right to the wire.

He also insists the Derwenthaugh side has a real chance of finishing in pole position, especially if Mark Cosgrove maintains his magnificent form.

Cosgrove scored another century and took five wickets in the crucial, morale-boosting victory over Ashington at Langwell Crescent at the weekend - a result which took Swalwell back into pole position.

Dumighan said: "Mark has been tremendous for us and that was his third league 100.

"He has always topped three figures in a Cup tie. He came to us mainly as a batsman but he has also claimed almost 30 wickets, which is a real bonus.

"He is a 100% trier and all the lads are supporting him.

"It is very tight at the top and probably four teams are in the running at the halfway stage but, as has been proven already, any side is capable of beating their opponents.

"You just have to remember how we were annihilated by Ponteland and they were fourth from bottom, so you cannot take anything for granted in this league."

Swalwell's only other defeat came against Tynedale, who have moved up into fourth place on the back of good recent results.

Dumighan added: "It was a critical result for us at Ashington and in the end, thanks to Cosgrove's all-round performance, we had a lot to spare - but even so we are just three points ahead of them at the top.

"Leadgate are always there or thereabouts and Tynedale have come up on the ropes so it is going to be a very tight battle during the second half of the season."

Rohan Rafique is another overseas player who has impressed during his first season in the league.

The Pakistani crashed an unbeaten 131 against Annfield Plain and Lee Innes was just two runs short of a century as the pair put together a huge opening partnership which laid the foundations for Leadgate's eighth win of the season.

Masood Mirza was also in form with bat and ball, contributing an unbeaten 72 to Leadgate's massive total of 313-1.

Mirza then captured seven Annfield Plain wickets and a three-figure victory enabled Leadgate to maintain their position third from top, just 10 points off the leaders.

Tynedale, meanwhile, are fourth, and they maintained their winning sequence - although it was a close call at Ponteland where their last pair was at the wicket.

Scott Kay's contribution of 79 was again invaluable for the Hexham side, which is defending the championship.

Stocksfield claimed a six-wicket win over South North II in the Northumberland Women's League.

With a number of regulars missing, junior players Amy Nicholson and Ashley Jones stepped in to fill the gaps and Rachel Godschalk took the wicketkeeper's gloves.

South North were put in to bat and Rachel Cowans gave Stocksfield early success with two wickets in her first two overs.

However, a stand of 68 between Claire Goatman and Monica Loveday put South North in command.

Goatman ended on 45 not out as South North II posted 111- 5.

Cowans and Godschalk opened the batting for Stocksfield and made 27 off the first four overs before Hayley Falla got Godschalk for 12.

Kelly Withycombe joined Cowans and continued to pick off anything straying off line but a subtle field change saw Naomi Peck take an excellent low catch at backward point to dismiss Cowans for 27.

However, Philippa Whitworth, together with Withycombe, steered Stocksfield home with five overs left. Withycombe finished undefeated on 39.